Analog Experience - The Factory Hybrid Synthesizer uses the same quick-and-easy-to-use software as Analog Factory with a dedicated keyboard that gives you access to the very best of Arturia's signature sounds. With the pre-assigned knobs and faders all these sounds are ready to be tweaked in real time, right out of the box. You can put your mouse away and enjoy the same experience traditional hardware synths offer.

The Arturia Factory synthesizer pack comes with a premium controller featuring a 32-key velocity-sensitive keyboard and multiple knobs and faders, putting all these sounds right at your fingertips. Plus, The Factory's integrated aftertouch offers you a maximum amount of musical expression.

This compact, high-quality controller comes in a sturdy aluminum case and can also serve as a MIDI controller. Linked to an accessible virtual synth, it makes Arturia's The Factory the ideal solution for the modern musician who's always on the go.

The Arturia Analog Experience - The Factory velocity-sensitive keyboard places a wide dynamic range at the player's fingertips. Smooth key action, keys shaped for comfortable glissando playing, and silent operation come as a result of CME's expertise in the production of controller keyboards. 32 keys and a sturdy aluminum case make the Analog Factory keyboard the ideal solution for the contemporary musician who is always on the go.

I'll do this in two parts. First the keyboard itself - It's FINE. I was looking at some reviews that suggested the keyboard is "cheap". Well, I've been a professional keyboard player for 37 years, and the keyboard is wonderful! It does NOT have smaller sized keys - they are standard. The pitch / mod wheels are in a place that takes some getting used to, but the feel is great. Solidly built, and exactly wahat I was hoping for.

Now, the software. There are some really good sounds here. Does this operate like the exact synths that you are wanting? No. But if you need more (and I probably will soon) you'll simply get one or two of the software synths, and you should be perfectly happy. The sounds are really good. The adjustments available are, for the most part, fine. There has been a time or two in the two weeks I've owned this where I wish I could adjust a parameter that is "not available", but I expected that from this entry level software. If you really want/need to upgrade to the full blown sets, do so.Software hardware work well, with only very few "glitches". Simply save, and restart and you're off.Well built keyboard. Good solid feel. The sounds are really good. Clear, excellent LFO, oscillator and filter reproduction. They do a good job.Excellent entry level combination with a LOT of power. If you need more, you will have to get the full versions of the synths. Pay the money.

Pros: Overall a very good Synth. The keys are very responsive and built solid. The keyboard has some weight to it, so it feels very good.

The important parameters are all pre-assigned to the knobs and faders by Arturia for EVERY sound. This was big. I am a beginner with synths, so this helped me a) learn how different parameters affect the sound b) save time not having to assign knobs and fader controls myself c) see a logical and visual layout of the parameters (versus another generic MIDI controller which just has blank knobs which you have to assign in a DAW/Plug-In on your own and just remember)

32 keys was perfect for me. It was enough range to do any bass line or lead line and also had enough room for chords. It is a nice compact size and fits nicely on the desk.

The samples all sound amazing. Very high quality instruments and synthesizers. There are a TON of sounds.

Cons: First, the license cannot be transferred, so if you want to use it on multiple computers you have to deactivate the license and then transfer it to another computer. HOWEVER, unlike what a previous reviewer mentioned. You DO NOT need a steinberg key. The keyboard comes with a soft license that you allows you to transfer without buying a USB e-license.The previous reviewer mentioned that if your computer crashed with the soft license on it you would be out of luck. I'm not sure if this is true. I haven't dealt with Arturia's customer support, but I imagine they'd try to help you out. Not sure though, so I recommend emailing them beforehand if that is a concern.

Second, sometimes there are too many sounds for me. The database of presets allows you to search by instrument type and quality of the sound (Bass, lead, simple, dark, heavy, percussive, etc.). However, with 3500 presets sometimes too much choice makes it harder for you to find what you are looking for. You can choose several categories to narrow it down, but this doesn't always help. For example, say I'm looking for a dark, bass sound. That only narrows it down to a couple HUNDRED sounds It would take me forever just to try them all out. For me this is kind of a bad thing.

The software is great. The keyboard is well built except for the keys. If your computer crashes or you get a new computer, you cannot reload software. Only made for a one time use unless you go to their website and purchase a $20.00 dongle. It's a scam and a rip off and a complete waste of studio time. It should be included in the package.

Review really needs two sections. One for the controller one for the software. CONTROLLER - I have used many controllers, however most feel very flmsy, this unit has real wood ends, metal casing, and a very sturdy design. If feels like a real unit-not a toy. I use a Korg M3 88 yet there are times I need a small controller as a work pad to test idea's, and this meets the task. It also features a real MIDI port which allows me to connect to my Access Virus Snow module with ease. Rotary encoders are solid, and the whole navigation is easy due to the well laid out clear silk screen printing.The software is awesome. 3,500 sounds again well laid out in easy to navigate folders. I was especially surprised at how nice the chorus and delay effects were when tweaked. Integrates seamlessly into my various DAW's and is stable. Great work Arturia